The San Francisco 49ers conducted late roster adjustments prior to their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
Tight end Brayden Willis was waived on Saturday to make room for long snapper Jon Weeks, who was promoted from the practice squad.
National football writers analyzed the roster transition, noting that “Willis was released to make room for long snapper Jon Weeks, who was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad”.
Weeks is currently the only long snapper on the team, but he was left off the initial active roster to facilitate roster gymnastics.
Fortunately for the athlete, Willis cleared the league waiver wire without being claimed and signed back with the practice squad on Sunday.
Journalists covering the team highlighted the positive resolution, writing, “Willis signed with the 49ers practice squad after going unclaimed on waivers, so he gets to STAY in Australia”.
The decision to waive Willis suggests that the coaching staff is confident tight end George Kittle can play after recovering from an Achilles tear.
Additionally, the team signed defensive lineman Khalid Kareem, who had to make a 21-hour journey from Atlanta to Melbourne to join the team.
League rules mandate that when a franchise cuts a player during an international trip, the team remains responsible for all return transportation logistics.